Daru returns to basketball fold after years out

 By JACK AMI

DARU Basketball Association has finally affiliated to the Basketball Federation Papua New Guinea after an absence of over a decade.

Association president Rodney Nega when presenting the fee payment slip – confirming their payment – to BFPNG president Nick Daroa highlighted Daru’s desire to return to the fold since 2001.

The consequences were quite detrimental including Daru players – who are renowned for their big physique – being deprived of representative duties.

Technical officials and players’ knowledge on the game was out of the date as they could not be kept aware of the rules changes – information that is usually provided to national federations from basketball’s world governing body – FIFA.      

Nega also thanked the Bank South Pacific, who under their community obligation services, have provided funding support to upgrade the Daru basketball courts.

He mentioned that the season would tip-off as soon as the renovation work on the court surfaces, back boards and rings are completed.

BFPNG is pleased with Alotau and Daru for being the among the first centres to affiliate, and have urged the other centres to do the same.

Daroa added that affiliates will be updated on the annual calendar of events which will include a modified version of competition – the 3-ON-3 tournament.

Other details include the All Stars Championship for open and Juniors, PNG squad training camps, international outings for the seniors and the FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament for the Junior Under 19 boys and girls that is slated for November in Suva, Fiji.